Chhatrapati Rajashri Shahu Maharaj contributed significantly to the eradication of caste discrimination that was prevalent during those times. It was a difficult task to start an agitation and carry on a campaign in those days when the British were ruling the country. However, Maharaj managed to do it wisely. He dealt with the British administration as well as the politics that were ongoing in the local communities and society. It is said that the title, ‘Rajashri’ was given to Shahu Maharaj by the Kurmi community.
While working for the downtrodden communities, he adopted the policy of taking action first and speaking later. He responded to the opposition of the upper-class people, and to do that he first studied the administrative policies. He had the capability of handling everything with a cool head so that society did not get disrupted. By taking the right decisions and implementing them with a firm mind, he conducted the state affairs in the capacity of a king.
After the coronation in Kolhapur, Shahu Maharaj ruled for 28 years. During his reign, he strived to uplift the lower-class people, as he had realised that in the state administration the lower-class people were given unfair treatment. The doors of justice and business were closed to them. Maharaj took a vow to integrate the scattered communities together as that was the only way of making progress. He took the initiative to bring all under one banner, where all were treated equally.
When he announced reservations for the lower-class people, the then advocates objected to this announcement. When the lawyers asked him on the basis of which law he did so, Shahu Maharaj, in reply, conducted an experiment to show them why he did so. He put some food before a group of horses. Some horses were quick to eat the food. Others remained at the back and did not have access to food. The ones who ate first and quickly were healthy, and those who lagged behind were weak. With this experiment, he showed that the reservations were not for the strong and healthy but for the weaker section of society.
Understanding that education is the only way to uplift the lower classes, and there is no other option, Shahu Maharaj broke the traditional boundaries that the system had created and opened the doors of education to all. He started compulsory and free primary education, and for this, he brought a law in 1913 regarding free and compulsory education.
While taking care of primary education, he did not neglect higher education and established Rajaram College. Farmers also showed their willingness to educate themselves. He offered scholarships to other castes, without looking at their caste or class, and gave them free admissions.
He also started hostel facilities for students from various communities and castes and made arrangements for their food and stay. Many children from farmer families were able to pursue higher studies due to these supportive measures.
